Cystic Fibrosis and Medical Tourism

Cystic Fibrosis of CF in short is a genetic disorder which gets passed down through recessive genes and has adverse effects on the pulmonary system of the affected. The disease's characteristics come from a defective gene which causes the formation of thick mucus in the lungs which overtime causes a number of respiratory problems alongside a weakened immune system which paired with the mucus buildup opens the lungs and digestive tract to bacterial infections. The disease is currently incurable because of its unique properties although some treatments to prolong and improve the lives of the affected exist. Patients require regular observation and tests because of the inevitable infections present so medics can give accurate diagnosis.

Treating CF is a battle on many fronts because of the weakened immune systems of the affected. It includes antibiotic treatments in an attempt to slow or prevent the progression of the bacterial infections which can be done orally or intravenously or through inhalations. The overall life expectancy of the affected varies according to each case, but what every one of them has in common is that the infection can never be completely overcome. Treatments and preventative measures developed over the last few decades have significantly improved the life expectancy, though those treatments are not available freely across the globe.

That being said a lot of countries in the world have cystic fibrosis specific clinics and centers who take care of patients affected by this disease, however in many of the the developing countries their fate is pretty grim because of the lack of resources, knowledge or competence about CF. Many of the affected feel the need to look for help elsewhere, often way beyond whatever their country can offer as a way of dealing with the problem and therefore medical tourism appears as the only viable option for them to have a fighting chance.

One of the places in the world currently which helps in the treatments of patients with CF is the Dead Sea resort where the atmospheric pressure and climate help the affected adapt to treatments. Other targets for medical tourism sought after are France and Canada because of their excellent medical care systems and others across the globe. The treatments however are very expensive and usually way beyond the scope of what the average patient can afford. Patients have decreased options when it comes to earning an income because of their condition and the need for constant treatment and immune-boosting and stimulating therapy without which their condition would quickly deteriorate.

Many of the local cystic fibrosis associations have banded together under the banner of the federation Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide, which do their best to offer help to the affected and to raise the public awareness and summon as much help as possible from the global society. The rising costs of global healthcare and the few localized places where one can get the right treatments and lung transplants have forced less fortunate patients to seek desperate help. International laws unfortunately prevent the free movement abroad they really need so they can receive care, so for the most part they are looking for ways to sponsor their needs either via the many organizations which deal with helping them or through their own means.

Overall the need for a raised public awareness of the needs of the affected is very acute since their disease isn't as popular and well-known as others spoken of on global media channels and the internet. Although not as obscure as certain genetic disorders and syndromes it is entirely possible for patients to receive care if their options were open. We can only hope that in time their pleas and needs will be addressed so they can travel freely to where they can receive the proper treatment and that raised public awareness would provide them with the finances needed to afford it.

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